Aerospace Studies

The Department of Aerospace Studies represents the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), at the University of Miami. Providing academic instruction and training experiences leading to commissioned service in the United States Air Force.

AFROTC is an educational program designed to provide college students the opportunity to become Air Force officers while completing a Bachelor’s degree. The AFROTC program provides superior hands-on leadership training and is designed to prepare cadets to assume positions of increasing responsibility as officers in service to their country.

Normally, the program is four years, but in some instances students can complete requirements in three years. The first two years of the program, the General Military Course (GMC), consist of a one hour class, three hours of leadership laboratory/practical military training, and two hours of organized physical conditioning each week. AFROTC cadets compete for entry into the last two years of the program, the Professional Officer Course (POC). Competition includes both quantitative and qualitative factors, such as grade-point average, unit commander’s evaluation, aptitude test scores and physical fitness test scores. If selected, cadets must complete a four-week summer Field Training Program at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL before entering the POC.

After earning their degree and successfully completing all Air Force ROTC requirements, cadets are commissioned as Air Force officers with a four-year active duty service commitment. Pilots, Combat Systems Officers and Air Battle Managers have longer service commitments upon completion of specialized training.

For more information, contact Detachment 155 Cadre at (305) 284-2870.

ENROLLMENT

There is no military obligation to enroll in AFROTC. To enroll students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizens or resident alien, or be able to become a U.S. citizen prior to attending Field Training the summer following sophomore year
• Be full-time college students, enrolled in 12 credits per semester
• Be able to participate in a demanding physical fitness program
• Be able to pass a Department of Defense Medical Examination
• Have solid moral character
• Maintain AFROTC minimum required grade point average

SCHOLARSHIPS

More than 70% of Air Force ROTC scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students in engineering or other scientific and technical disciplines. However, students in every degree program enjoy scholarship opportunities, as the Air Force seeks to engage students who excel both academically and militarily. Scholarships are awarded in increments of two, three, and four years. Air Force ROTC offers several types of scholarships. Type 1 covers full tuition and most required fees. Type 2 covers tuition and fees, but is capped at $18,000 annually. Type 7 scholarships are designated for in-state tuition-level institutions. All types of awards provide an allowance for books and a monthly non-taxable stipend. All scholarship cadets are required to meet academic, military, and physical fitness standards to earn and maintain scholarship benefits.

Additionally, University of Miami undergraduates enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program are assured annual 25% subsidy of the University’s tuition for up to four years. Students must maintain continuous enrollment in the AFROTC program and full time enrollment in one of the University’s undergraduate degree program. No application required. Awards are made automatically based on information provided by the University’s AFROTC detachment.

BENEFITS

All AFROTC cadets receive uniforms, books and equipment for ROTC classes at no cost. Upon being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, you will receive a starting salary and allowances worth more than $55,000 annually*. Free medical and dental care, 30 days paid annual vacation and educational benefits are also part of the compensation package.
*Based on 2011 Pay Chart and Miami FL Housing Allowance for an O-1*

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

AIS 101/102 Foundations of the United States Air Force (Lecture 1, Leadership Lab* 0)

Aerospace Studies 101/102 is a survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Featured topics include: Air Force heritage, military customs and courtesies, career opportunities, Air Force Core Values, interpersonal communications, and team building. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

AIS 201/202 The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power (Lecture 1, Leadership Lab* 0)

Aerospace Studies 201/202 is a survey course designed to examine general aspects of the employment of air and space power through a historical perspective. Historical examples assist in understanding the development of Air Force distinctive capabilities and missions. In addition, the students continue discussing the importance of the Air Force Core Values with the use of operational examples and historical Air Force leaders. Students also continue to develop communication skills. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

Aerospace Studies 301/302 teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills. Case studies are used to examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of the concepts being studied. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles.

Aerospace Studies 401/402 is a course designed to examine national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force Doctrine. Special topics of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism with a continuing emphasis on the refinement of communication skills.
A mandatory Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles.

MINOR

MINOR IN AEROSPACE STUDIES

• A minor in Aerospace Studies consists of 16 credits.
• You must take all AIS courses listed under the Aerospace Course Listing
• A grade of C- or higher, with an overall GPA of 2.0, is required in each course taken for the minor.